So we got this emergency call from a homeowner in Newport Beach, and preventing cross-contamination was job number one. Their refrigerator line had been leaking behind the kitchen wall, and by the time they called us, we had a perfect storm brewing for mold growth. Our team at Orange County Restoration Services, Inc. jumped on it fast because we knew preventing cross-contamination would make or break this whole project. Here’s how we tackled mold and water damage restoration in Newport Beach.
The Challenge: Preventing Cross Contamination Before Things Got Messy
Here’s the thing: this leak had been doing its damage for weeks before anyone noticed those telltale water stains. When we showed up, moisture had basically taken up residence throughout that entire wall cavity, and we were pretty sure mold had joined the party. The big worry? Making sure we kept all that nastiness contained while we worked. Nobody wants their whole house dealing with what started as a kitchen problem.
How We Made Sure Preventing Cross-Contamination Actually Worked
Here’s exactly how we tackled this mess, with preventing cross-contamination being our main focus from start to finish.
Getting Set Up Right From the Start
Before we even stepped foot in their house, we kicked off our contamination prevention routine. We threw on our protective booties, rolled out Ram Board throughout the walkway (this stuff saves floors), and set up our decontamination chamber right at the work area entrance. Think of this chamber as our bouncer; nothing dirty gets past it into the clean areas of the house.
Professional Containment Systems
We built what we like to call a dual-layered containment system. Basically, we create multiple barriers using plastic sheeting and tape to seal off the work area. Then we fire up our HEPA-rated air scrubbers on negative air, creating a vacuum effect that sucks all the contaminated air away from the rest of the home and filters it clean before it exits.
Playing by the Rules (Because They Actually Matter)
Our approach to preventing cross-contamination follows all the IICRC guidelines, and here’s what that looks like in real life:
- Proper PPE Equipment: We suit up in lightweight disposable suits over our regular clothes, plus NIOSH-approved respirators with organic filter cartridges so we can breathe safely
- Clean Exit Protocol: Everything gets cleaned in that decontamination chamber before it leaves the work zone
- California Requirements: We do the required asbestos test per AQMD Rule 1403 because here in Southern California, every structure gets tested, no matter when it was built
- Finding Hidden Problems: We use thermal imaging cameras along with regular moisture meters to hunt down every pocket of moisture that’s hiding
Making Sure Everything’s Actually Dry
We found moisture pockets using our detection equipment and then set up drying gear on both sides of the work area. You’d be surprised how much moisture can hide in places you can’t see.
Project Success: Clean Home and Peace of Mind
Once our work was complete, we offered the homeowner a post-clearance mold test performed by a neutral third-party company. This gives everyone peace of mind that the job was done right and the home is safe.
The homeowner was amazed at how clean and contained our work area stayed throughout the entire process. They said they barely noticed we were there, except for the equipment running, which is exactly how we want it.
Why Our Approach Works
At Orange County Restoration Services, Inc., we know that proper containment isn’t just about following rules; it’s about protecting your family and your home. Cross-contamination can turn a small problem into a house-wide disaster, and that’s something we never want to see happen.
Our 38+ years of experience have taught us that taking extra time upfront to set up proper containment saves everyone time, money, and stress in the long run. When you’re dealing with water damage and potential mold, you want a team that knows how to keep the problem contained while getting your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
If you’re dealing with water damage or suspect mold in your home, don’t wait. Call us at (949) 828-2399 or fill out an online form on our website!
